
Topo Trail Marathon Races
Topo Trail Marathon offers a challenging 100% singletrack loop in East Fork State Park.
Race Date
Dec 6, 2026
Location
Bethel, OH
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Location
- Bethel, Ohio
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.55 Miles, 26.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,008
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Topo Trail Marathon series unfolds on the mountain bike trails of East Fork State Park, presenting a true test of endurance and trail running skill. The course is a demanding 6.55-mile loop, exclusively singletrack, requiring participants to complete one, two, or four laps for the Quarter, Half, or Full marathon distances, respectively.
Runners can expect aid stations stocked with water, Gatorade, bananas, and salty snacks at the start/finish, with water and Gatorade at intermediate stops. The event, first run in 2014 and now in its 9th edition, draws participants from around five states, with a median field size of approximately 195 finishers and a growing trend. About 24% of runners return, a testament to the race's loyal following.
This is a race for those who embrace the grit of trail running. The challenging terrain and the commitment to a singletrack loop make it a rewarding experience for dedicated runners seeking an adventure in the Ohio wilderness.
Race-provided description
Topo Trail Marathon Weekend Schedule Sunday, December 7 Packet Pick Up (no race day registration) -- 7:00 am to 8:30 am Pre Race Meeting -- 8:45 am Race Start -- 9:00am for Full, 9:15am for Half, 9:30am for Quarter Race Cutoff -- 3:00pm racers will not be permitted to start any lap after 3pm About the race The Topo Trail Marathon will be held on the East Fork State Park mountain bike trails. There will be a 6.55 mile (Quarter) race, a 13.1 mile (Half) race, and a 26.2 mile (Full) race, something for everyone! The course will be a 6.55 mile loop, 100% on singletrack. 1 lap for the Quarter, 2 laps for the Half, and 4 laps for the Full. Waterstops at mile 2, mile 4.5, and mile 6.55. The waterstop at the start/finish will be fully stocked with water, Gatorade, bananas, and salty snacks. All other aid stations will have water and Gatorade only. Topo Buffs will be given to anyone who registers after the T Shirt deadline of Nov 14. Registration (Discounted prices until Sept 15) Quarter: $30 Half: $45 Full: $70 The entry fee includes professional chip timing, portable restrooms, long sleeve race t shirt (t-shirt deadline is November 14), pint glass, and finisher medal. Anyone who Awards Finisher Medal for all finishers Directions to East Fork State Park Take I275 to the Route 125 exit. Go East on Route 125 for approx. 10 miles to the East Fork State Park main entrance (Do not follow signs to the Campground). Turn Left on S. Bantam Road, turn left into the park and turn left again onto Park Road 2. Follow Park Road 2, the Indian Mound Picnic Area will be on your right. Lodging A block of rooms at a local hotel will be available closer to the race There are also several motels at the SR125 exit off of I-275, about 15 miles from the start/finish. Motel Beechmont - 513-752-1800 Comfort Inn and Suites - 513-947-0100 East Fork State Park also has a full service campground, visit the park website for campground information Any additional information regarding the race will be posted on this website as the race date gets closer.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Start Time
9:15 AM
Start Location
3294 Elklick Road, Bethel, OH, 45103
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout689 years running
~195 finishers a year
growing or steady
24% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 5 states
winner 1:30:44
typical high 46°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
30°
Afternoon (High)
46°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,008 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,008
Median time
2:39:06
Latest turnout
107
States
13
Turnout by year
2015–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Topo Trail Marathon Races?
The Topo Trail Marathon Races is held on Sunday, December 6, 2026, starting at 9:15 AM.
Where does the Topo Trail Marathon Races take place?
It takes place in Bethel, Ohio.
What distances does the Topo Trail Marathon Races offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.55 Miles, 26.2 Miles.
Is the Topo Trail Marathon Races course flat and good for a PR?
The Topo Trail Marathon Races is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Topo Trail Marathon Races?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,008 runners who have completed the Topo Trail Marathon Races.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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